The Hammond Downtown Development District will host its 19th Annual Hot August Night on Friday (Aug. 15) from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. During the yearly arts event, downtown merchants — including shops, restaurants, and other vendors — open their doors to strollers, who are encouraged to sample the wares of local business. The stroll also includes a wine tasting, where the public can pay a fee to sample various wines from participating businesses.

"The downtown Hammond merchants are gearing up and getting excited about another fantastic event in the district," Downtown Development District Executive Director Terry Lynn Smith said.

Located in Tangipahoa Parish within a half-hour drive of Covington, Hammond's downtown recently was rewarded for meeting revitalization standards set forth by the National Main Street Center of the National Trust for Historic Preservation when the Hammond Downtown Development District was designated as a 2014 accredited National Main Street Program.

Hot August Night, one of Hammond's premier arts and entertainment evenings, presents an opportunity for St. Tammany or Orleans Parish residents to explore a nearby area recognized for its efforts at historic preservation and business growth.

40 shops and other businesses will offer wine tastings, art exhibits, and special promotions. An added feature is the local tradition of holding a Southeastern Louisiana University pep rally, which will take place near the stage in front of La Carreta Mexican Restaurant at 108 NW Railroad Ave., approximately 6:30 p.m. The stage also will host a performance by River City Hit Squad.

Additional notable activities will include a street dance featuring D.J. Hot Wax, in front of the Music Express building, located at 119 S. Cate St. and the SLU "Lion-paw-looza," which will take place in the park behind La Carreta Mexican Restaurant from 7 to 8 p.m. The event will feature SLU cheerleaders, Lionettes, and the Spirit of the Southland marching band.

Downtown streets and parking malls will be closed to vehicular traffic during the evening.

Hot August Night is free to strollers, but anyone of legal age wishing to participate in the wine tasting can do so for a $20 fee. For more information, visit Dddhammond.com or call the Hammond Downtown Development District at 985.277.5681, ext. 2, or 985.974.2065.